Psalm 30:5 NLT
In this Psalm I see a tension and a contrast. I believe it to be the tension and contrast that is present through all the Bible, and today I thought first of Paul. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”Philippians 1:21 cf. “...Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?” v.9 & “O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” v.12
Our current concept of life after death is not nearly as developed as we imagine it is. When pressed to describe most aspects of death, dying, resurrection and eternal life, we are left with vague and often contradictory ideas. In the time of David it was even less clear because Jesus had not yet risen from the dead and the revelations that have come through Jesus and the apostles had not yet enlightened the minds of God's children. “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 Many of our interpretations of the old testament are anachronistic at best. It is obvious that the disciples and the religious experts of Jesus’ day were clueless concerning death, and life after death. (John 2:19-21, Mark 14:58-64)
And this brings me to the second observation in Psalm 30 and that comes in the “title” or “explanatory note” that comes just before verse one in English translations. For Psalm 30 in the ESV it says, “A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple.”
I must admit I am only meditating on this idea and it is not yet even partially grown into a clear idea that I can write about, let alone teach on. But I invite you to join me in the process of discovery and meditation as we chew over various thoughts concerning Jesus in Psalm 30.
v.3 sounds like resurrection from the dead.
v.5 sounds like payment for sin or judgement or discipline
v.7 sounds like what Jesus cried out on the cross, Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” based on Psalm 22
cf.vv.9&12 “Will the dust praise You?” and “I will give thanks to You forever.”
That the title speaks of the dedication of the temple or house raises several questions for me.
Main Point: Death is not the end because God gives life.
I’ve rewritten the “main point” above a number of times. I’m struggling this morning to gain clarity. I have even read several commentaries and the passage in several versions. Still I can’t get the idea to crystallise. I know the tension of death, dying, threat and crying out to God resolves with rescue, thanksgiving, and eternal praise. The highly symbolic poetic lines of verse 5 turn the Psalm from a funeral song to a celebration song.
Psalm 30 v.5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
In some ways this Psalm is simple and clear. David is threatened with death and God rescues him. And obviously that is the same story for Jesus even though in the case of Jesus the death is complete and is a total complete judgement for the sins of the world. But in the balance, this judgement for the one who trusts in God is momentary, so suffering is not permanent and joy comes in the morning.
But I know I am missing something. Maybe you know what it is.
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